How to File an Auto Accident Claim

In states that have no fault, your insurance company will cover medical costs and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. They'll also want to review documents and gather evidence (photos witnesses' statements medical records, and expense reports).

The amount of compensation you receive will depend on the severity of injuries and the amount of expenses. This article will help you understand the steps involved in filing an auto accident claim.

Report the Accident

It's important that you report a crash immediately. In many states, this is handled by local police or county sheriffs. In some states, it's the state police or Department of Motor Vehicles.

Take photos of the accident scene if you are able to. This will help you remember what happened, and it can be helpful for your insurance claim. For instance, pictures can show skid marks, vehicle damage weather conditions, and other important details.

It's also a good idea to obtain the other driver's details including their name as well as the insurance company. If possible, you should ask for their driver's licence and car registration.

It is also essential to write down your own account of the accident as well as what you saw and what transpired. Remember that memory isn't always reliable and if you fail to write down what happened it could leave you accountable for damages or injuries that aren't evident later on. If you fail to notify your insurance company, they may refuse to cover any damages that result from the accident. You can find out whether your policy requires an accident report by reviewing your policy or calling your agent.

Seek medical attention

One of the first things you should do following a car accident is seek medical attention to be examined for injuries. Making an appointment with a doctor as quickly as possible can help you avoid any future complications and can strengthen your claim when it comes time to negotiate with the insurance company.

It is recommended to go to a hospital emergency room, whenever possible, after a car accident. Hospitals have access physicians, surgeons and medical supplies. It can be challenging for insurance companies and defense lawyers to downplay injuries treated at hospitals.

Injuries resulting from car accidents can vary from minor bruising to serious internal injuries, including paralysis and brain trauma. Even if certain symptoms, such as stiffness or pain, don't manifest right away it is important to see a doctor. These records will be essential in proving you've suffered injuries related to the crash.

Our Denver car accident lawyers will make use of these medical records to construct an argument that proves the driver at fault caused your injuries and you are entitled to an adequate amount of compensation for the damages you sustained.

Take Photos

Photograph the site of the accident as fast as you can, and ideally before police arrive. If you are able capture photos of the damages on each vehicle from different angles. It is also crucial to capture closeup photos of the vehicles and any other critical evidence (such as shattered glass or airbags deployed) when you are able to do so. If you're not able to take closeups, try placing an object, like a coin, in the picture for scale. It is also possible to take photographs without or with flash to show hidden details.

It is also a good idea to photograph any injuries you may have sustained during the accident. Scrapes, bruises and cuts will fade with time, and the photos will be a great proof of your injuries later. It is also recommended to take photos of other things which are relevant to the incident (such as road signs, traffic signals, weather conditions, and road debris) as they can help paint a clearer picture of what happened.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Contacting your insurance company is important regardless of whether or not plan to file a claim after an auto accident. You might be required to file a claim by your policy, but even if you are not an attorney, you will need documents detailing your losses to support your claim (such as repair costs and medical bills).

Luna advises that you gather all relevant information about the scene. This includes the information regarding your vehicle as well as any other drivers involved. Request to see the other driver's insurance card and ensure you have their name, address, phone number as well as the details of their car insurance (company and policy number). If there are any witnesses, try to find their names and contact details too.

While the last thing you want to do following a car crash is argue with insurance firms it is vital to remain calm. The statements you make when you are emotional can be used against you later on. It is recommended to let an attorney handle the negotiations. They can make sure you don't say anything that could later be used against you.

Contact an attorney

An experienced attorney can assist you in negotiations with the insurance company to obtain an equitable settlement. They will go through all medical records and bills, and work with doctors to determine the extent and the severity of your injuries. If you don't provide them with complete and accurate documentation, they will not give you a fair value.

You could be entitled to noneconomic damages, such as suffering and pain in addition to the economic losses. If the court determines that the other driver acted with gross negligence, recklessness or malice, it may award punitive damages.

You should notify the police if the motorist at fault fled the scene. You should also request the crash report from the precinct or online. You'll need it to file a no fault claim or a liability lawsuit. New York has very specific laws that govern spring lake auto accident lawyer accidents and these rules are best explained by a knowledgeable attorney.